Form changing toy

ABSTRACT

A form changing toy includes a moving part, a rotating part, a first stopper, a motor, and a holding mechanism. The rotating part is configured to move the moving part in first and second directions. An operation direction of the moving part is changed between the first and second directions at an inflection point of the rotating part. The rotation of the rotating part is configured to stop rotating in a first rotation direction when the rotating part rotating contacts the first stopper. The holding mechanism is configured to hold the moving part in a first state at a location between an inflection point and the first stopper, and to release the holding when the rotating part starts rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction after the stopping at the first stopper.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-080074 filed on Apr. 19, 2018. The entire content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-080074 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a form changing toy.

Description of Related Art

From the past, form changing toys have been known that are provided with a toy body, a drive unit, a drive cam driven by the drive unit, and a deformation part, configured such that the deformation part can be deformed from a first position to a second position, is urged by an elastic member in the direction of the second position, and is locked by a locking member at the first position in resistance to the elasticity of the elastic member, and the drive cam, when it rotates, releases locking of the locking member, and deforms a first deformation part to the second position (see Patent Document 1, for example).

[Patent Document 1] Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-244198

SUMMARY

However, with this kind of form changing toy, in cases such as when there is external impact, or when a player forcefully operates the deformation part by hand, etc., locking by the locking part is released, and unintended deformation occurs, and particularly, when forcefully operated, internal parts may be broken.

The present invention was created taking this problem into consideration, and its purpose is to provide a form changing toy that can prevent unintended deformation. A form changing toy includes a moving part being configured to change a form thereof between first and second states, a rotating part being connected with the moving part, a first stopper being configured at a first position, a motor being configured to rotate the rotating part, and a holding mechanism being configured to hold releasably the moving part in the first state. The rotating part is configured to move the moving part in first and second directions. An operation direction of the moving part is changed between the first and second directions at an inflection point of the rotating part. The moving part is in the first state at the inflection point. The rotation of the rotating part is configured to stop rotating in a first rotation direction when the rotating part rotating contacts the first stopper. The holding mechanism is configured to hold the moving part in the first state at a location between the inflection point and the first stopper. The holding mechanism being configured to release the holding when the rotating part starts rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction after the stopping at the first stopper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the form changing state of a form changing toy of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a toy body of a first form

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the toy body of a first form of another angle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the toy body of a second form.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the toy body of a third form.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the head part viewed from below.

FIG. 7 is a perspective part showing the attachment structure of the head part.

FIG. 8 is a plan view for explaining the holding position of the head part.

FIGS. 9(a)-9(c) are plan views for explaining the operation of the head part operation device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a hatch and hatch operation device.

FIGS. 11(a)-11(c) are plan views for explaining the operation of the hatch operation device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the right side foot part and foot part operation device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure of the foot parts.

FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the foot part and its peripheral costume.

FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the hatch and its peripheral costume.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the control structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Following, the form changing toy of the present invention is explained based on the embodiment shown in the drawings.

The above and/or other aspects, features and/or advantages of various embodiments will be further appreciated in view of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Various embodiments can include and/or exclude different aspects, features and/or advantages where applicable. In addition, various embodiments can combine one or more aspect or feature of other embodiments where applicable. The descriptions of aspects, features and/or advantages of particular embodiments should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the claims. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Unless indicated otherwise, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object could be termed a second object, and, similarly, a second object could be termed a first object without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to or “on” another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to or on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). However, the term “contact,” as used herein refers to direct contact (i.e., touching) unless the context indicates otherwise. Terms such as “same,” “planar,” or “coplanar,” as used herein when referring to orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures do not necessarily mean an exactly identical orientation, layout, location, shape, size, amount, or other measure, but are intended to encompass nearly identical orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures within acceptable variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term “substantially” may be used herein to reflect this meaning. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present application, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein

Overall Configuration

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the form changing state of a form changing toy 100 of this embodiment.

This form changing toy 100 changes form in steps in the order of dumpling-shaped first form 100A, second form 100B with a tail part 80 projecting from the first form 100A, and third form 100C having an imaginary animal form. The opportunity for form changing is a so-called dialogue. In specific terms, by stroking or lightly tapping the form changing toy 100, or by talking to or playing music for the form changing toy 100, the form changing toy 100 grows and changes form in steps. With the form changing toy 100 of the embodiment, for example, the body gets bigger in steps by form changing.

As a precursor of form changing, this form changing toy 100 is rocked vertically and laterally by moving foot parts 60 described later in small increments.

Detailed Configuration 1. Constituent Elements of Form Changing Toy 100

Roughly divided, this form changing toy 100 includes a toy body 1 (FIG. 2 to FIG. 5) which is the mechanical portion configuring the basic frame of the external appearance of the form changing toy 100, and a costume 2 (FIG. 1) wrapping the toy body 1 and configuring the outline of the form changing toy 100.

2. Toy Body 1 (1) Overall

FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of the toy body 1 of the first form 100A. FIG. 3 shows the external appearance of another angle of the toy body 1 of the first form 100A. FIG. 4 shows the external appearance of the toy body 1 of the second form 100B. FIG. 5 shows the external appearance toy body 1 of the third form 100C.

As shown in FIG. 5, the toy body 1 of this form changing toy 100 includes as moving parts a head part 10, a trunk part 30, the foot parts 60, and the tail part 80.

(2) Head Part 10

As shown in FIG. 5, the head part 10 includes a face part 11 and a skull part 12.

The face part 11 is configured from a curved plate. A socket 11 c is formed one each at the left and right of the face part 11, for fitting a rivet at the rear of eyeballs 2 c fixed to the costume 2.

An engagement recess 11 a is formed on the upper edge of the face part 11.

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram viewed from below the head part 10 with the face part 11 and ear parts 14 in a folded state.

As shown in the drawing, the skull part 12 is configured from a bowl shaped member. At the front end bottom edge of the skull part 12, an engagement projection 12 c that fits in the engagement recess 11 a of the face part 11 is formed. Also, the skull part 12 and the face part 11 are mutually connected via a shaft 11 b at the fitting portion of the engagement recess 11 a and the engagement projection 12 c. Also, the face part 11 has a folded state that is folded to the inside of the skull part 12 (FIG. 6), and a deployed state hanging down from the front end of the skull part 12 (FIG. 5).

A torsion coil spring 13 is wound on the shaft 11 b. One end of the torsion coil spring 13 is placed on the face part 11, and the other end is placed on the skull part 12. Then, the face part 11 is urged toward the deployed state. When the head part 10 is folded in advance facing the trunk part 30 when shipping, this face part 11 is folded into the storage recess formed between the head part 10 and the trunk part 30.

On the skull part 12, one each of the triangular ear part 14 is attached at the left and right of the face part 11. Each ear part 14 is supported on the skull part 12 via a shaft 14 a. Also, the ear parts 14 have a folded state folded to the inside of the skull part 12 (FIG. 6), and a deployed state projecting from the skull part 12 (FIG. 5).

A torsion coil spring 15 is wound on the shaft 14 a. One end of the torsion coil spring 15 is placed on the ear part 14, and the other end is placed on the skull part 12. Also, the ear parts 14 are urged toward the deployed state. The ear parts 14 are folded when folding the head part 10 facing the trunk part 30 in advance when shipping.

(3) Attachment Structure of the Head Part 10 and a Head Part Operation Device 33

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing half of the head part 10.

A shaft support part 31 is provided on the top plate of the trunk part 30. On the shaft support part 31, a shaft 12 a attached to the skull part 12 is supported, and the head part 10 has a folded position abutting the trunk part 30, and a deployed state separated from the trunk part 30.

A torsion coil spring 32 is wound on the shaft 12 a, and one end of the torsion coil spring 32 is placed on the skull part 12, and the other end is placed on a lever 36 described later. This head part 10 is operated via the lever 36 by a motor 37 described later, but the torsion coil spring 32 functions as a protective clutch when the head part 10 is pressed down by the player when deploying the head part 10.

Also, the head part operation device 33 is provided on the trunk part 30. The head part operation device 33 includes: a crank (rotating part) 34 having an eccentric pin 34 a; a slide plate 35 that moves back and forth in the forward and backward direction by rotation of the crank 34 when engaged with the eccentric pin 34 a; and the lever 36 connected to the back end part of the slide plate 35. The crank 34 and the slide plate 35 configure a portion of a double slider crank mechanism.

The crank 34 is connected to a drive device. Specifically, the crank 34 is configured to be rotated by the motor 37 via a deceleration gear train 38. The crank 34 is provided as an integral unit with an output gear 38 a of the deceleration gear train 38.

On the front end part of the slide plate 35, a long hole 35 a that is long in the left-right direction is formed, and the eccentric pin 34 a is inserted in the long hole 35 a. The middle part in the vertical direction of the lever 36 is supported by the shaft 12 a. This lever 36 is engaged with a projection 12 b provided on the skull part 12. Also, the bottom end part of the lever 36 is attached via a pin 36 a to a shaft support part 35 b provided on the back end part of the slide plate 35.

By doing this, the crank 34 and the head part 10 are connected.

This head part operation device 33 includes a holding mechanism that holds the head part 10 in a folded state and also releases holding of the head part 10 that is held in a folded state. This holding mechanism of the head part operation device 33 also functions as the holding mechanism of the face part 11 and the ear parts 14.

The holding mechanism holds the head part 10 that is a deployed state with the crank 34 rotated in one direction by the motor 37 folded in a folded state, and also releases holding of the folded state of the head part 10 by having the crank 34 rotated in the other direction by the motor 37.

Next, the holding position of the head part 10 is explained.

In FIG. 8, when the eccentric pin 34 a of the crank 34 is in an A region (near an inflection point D1), the head part 10 is in a deployed state, and when the eccentric pin 34 a in a B region (near an inflection point D2), the head part 10 is in the folded state. The “inflection point” is the point at which the operating direction of the slide plate 35 and thus the head part 10 changes. Here, the “inflection point” is both a change point and a dead point.

With the form changing toy 100 of the embodiment, the eccentric pin 34 a is set to come to A1 within the A region when the head part 10 is in the deployed state, and the eccentric pin 34 a is set to come to B1 within the B region when the head part 10 is being held in the folded state.

With the form changing toy 100 of the embodiment, when the crank 34 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the motor 37 and the deployed state head part 10 is folded, the configuration is such that the eccentric pin 34 a faces directly toward the inflection point D2 without going through the inflection point D1 (from FIG. 9(A) to FIG. 9(B)). Also, the eccentric pin 34 a passes through B2 within the B region and is led to B1 within the B region that is past the inflection point D2 (from FIG. 9(B) to FIG. 9(C)). When the eccentric pin 34 a of the crank 34 is within the B region past the inflection point D2, the head part 10 is held in the folded state. In this case, even if the player tries to deploy the head part 10 by force, an abutting part (not illustrated) provided on the crank 34 contacts a fixed stopper 40, and rotation of the crank 34 beyond that is blocked. Of course, even in this position, the head part 10 is held in the folded state.

(4) Trunk Part 30

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing hatches 41 and a hatch operation device 43.

One each of the hatches 41 is provided at the left and right side of the trunk part 30. The left and right hatches 41, 41 are formed to be laterally symmetrical, so the same code numbers are used to explain the same constitutional elements.

Each hatch 41 has a planar arc shape, and configures the left flank and left back, or the right flank and right back of an imaginary animal.

The left and right hatches 41, 41 have a double sided opening structure, and each hatch 41 is supported on the trunk part body via a shaft 41 a, and has an open state and a closed state with respect to the trunk part body.

(5) Hatch Operation Device 43

Also, the hatch operation device 43 is provided on the trunk part 30. The hatch operation device 43 includes left and right lever crank mechanisms. The left and right crank mechanisms are roughly laterally symmetrical, so the same code numbers are used to explain the same constitutional elements.

The lever crank mechanism is configured including a crank (rotating part) 44 having an eccentric pin 48 a, and a link (rotating part) 45 that operates by rotation of the crank 44.

The crank 44 is connected to the drive device of the same configuration as the abovementioned head part operation device 33.

The left and right cranks 44, 44 are configured above and below one rotating plate 47. One end of the left side link 45 is connected to the eccentric pin 48 a on the top side of the concerned rotating plate, and the other end is connected via a shaft 49 at the middle of the left hatch 41. Also, one end of the right side link 45 is connected to the eccentric pin 48 a of the lower side of the abovementioned rotating plate, and the other end is connected via the shaft 49 at the middle of the right hatch 41.

This hatch operation device 43 includes a holding mechanism that holds the hatch 41 in a closed state, and also releases holding of the hatch 41 that is held in a closed state. This holding mechanism of the hatch operation mechanism 43 also functions as the holding mechanism of the tail part 80 described later.

The holding mechanism closes the hatch 41 that is in an open state by rotation of the crank 44 in one direction by a motor 46, and holds that hatch 41 in a closed state, and also [period a typo meant to be a comma in source text; translator] releases holding of the closed state of the hatch 41 by rotation of the crank 44 in the other direction by the motor 46.

Next, the holding position of the hatch 41 is explained.

The crank 44 has a first inflection point at which the movement direction of the hatch 41 changes from the opening direction to the closing direction by rotation in the counterclockwise direction, and a second inflection point at which it changes from the closing direction to the opening direction.

Also, when the eccentric pin 48 a is near the first inflection point, the hatch 41 is in an open state, and when the eccentric pin 48 a is near the second inflection point, the hatch 41 is in a closed state.

With the form changing toy 100 of the embodiment, when the open state hatch 41 is closed by the crank 44 being rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the motor 46, the eccentric pin 48 a is configured to face toward the second inflection point directly without going through the first inflection point (from FIG. 11(A) to FIG. 11(B)). Also, the crank 44 goes past the second inflection point, and the hatch 41 is held at a location for which the hatch 41 is kept in a closed state (from FIG. 11(B) to FIG. 11(C)). In this case, even if the player forcefully pries open the hatch 41 in an attempt to deploy it, the link 45 comes into contact with the shaft (stopper) 44 a of the crank 44, and blocks further rotation of the crank 44. Of course in this position as well, the hatch 41 is held in the closed state. The abutting part of the link 45 to the shaft (stopper) 44 a is formed curved so that the eccentric pin 48 a is able to go past the inflection point.

(6) Tail Part 80

The tail part 80 is supported via a shaft 81 on the back part bottom edge of the trunk part 30. The tail part 80 has a folded state nestled close to the trunk part 30 (FIG. 2) and a deployed state separated from the trunk part 30 (FIG. 4). Also, a torsion coil spring 82 is wound on the shaft 81, and one end of the torsion coil spring 82 is placed on the tail part 80, and the other end is placed on the trunk part body (FIG. 2 and FIG. 4). Also, the tail part 80 is urged toward the deploying direction. This tail part 80, when the hatch 41 is closed in advance when shipping, is folded inside the storage recess formed on the inside of the hatch 41. By doing this, the tail part 80 is held in a folded state by the hatch 41.

(7) Foot Part 60

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the right side foot part 60 and a foot part operation device 64.

One each of a storage recess 30 a extending in the vertical direction is provided at the front side left and right of the trunk part 30 (FIG. 5). A shaft support part 61 is provided at the lower end part bottom wall of each storage recess 30 a, and a foot plate 63 is attached to the shaft support part 61 via a shaft 62. The foot plate 63 has a folded state nestled near the trunk part 30, and a deployed state separated from the trunk part 30.

(8) Foot Part Operation Device 64

The foot part operation device 64 includes a lever crank mechanism at left and right. The left and right lever crank mechanisms are roughly laterally symmetrical, so the same code numbers are used to explain the same constitutional elements.

Each lever crank mechanism is configured including a crank (rotating part) 65 for which an eccentric pin 65 a is provided, and a link (rocking part) 66 that is operated by rotation of the crank 65 when engaged with the eccentric pin 65 a.

The right side crank 65 is connected to the drive device. Specifically, the crank 65 is configured so as to be rotated by the motor 67 capable of forward and reverse rotation with a deceleration gear train 68 interposed. The crank 65 is provided as an integral unit with an output gear 68 a of the deceleration gear train 68. The right side crank 65 is connected to the left side crank 65 via bevel gears 69 a, 69 b. A coil spring 65 b is wound on the shaft of the crank 65, and by doing this, the crank 65 and the bevel gear 69a are connected, and operate as an integral unit. The coil spring 65 b in this case functions as a protective clutch when the player presses down on the foot plate 63 when deploying the foot plate 63.

As shown in FIG. 13, one end of the link 66 is connected to the crank 65, and the other end is connected via a pin 66 a to the portion of the foot plate 63 that is separated from the shaft 62.

However, the pin 66 a of the left side foot part 60 is inserted in a long hole 63 a of the foot plate 63. Also, at the tip of the link 66, a slide member 71 is installed, and the slide member 71 is configured to be able to operate along the top surface of the foot plate 63. This slide member 71 is urged by a coil spring (not illustrated) in the direction for which the back end part abuts the link 66.

The right side foot plate 63 is configured so as to be able to kick the ground by being operated by the motor 67. Meanwhile, a large projection 66 c is formed on the inner edge on the link 66 that operates the left side foot plate 63, and so that the projection 66 c contacts a fixed part midway in operation. By doing this, when the right side foot plate 63 is kicking the ground, the left side foot plate 63 contacts the fixed part and is made to move slightly upward. Meanwhile, the bottom surface of the form changing toy 100 is curved in an arc form so that the central part bulges downward. By doing this, when the right side foot plate 63 kicks the ground, the form changing toy 100 rocks left and right, and at that time, the left side foot plate 63 moves up slightly in the opposite direction, exuding an image like stepping and dancing.

Next, the holding position of the foot plate 63 is explained.

The crank 65, by rotation in one direction, has a first inflection point at which the operating direction of the foot plate 63 changes from the deploying direction to the folding direction, and a second inflection point at which the operating direction of the foot plate 63 changes from the folding direction to the deploying direction.

Also, when the eccentric pin 65 a is near the first inflection point, the foot plate 63 is in a deployed state, and when the eccentric pin 65 a is near the second inflection point, the foot plate 63 is in a folded state.

With the form changing toy 100 of the embodiment, the configuration is such that when the crank 65 is rotated in one direction by the motor 67, and the deployed state foot plate 63 is folded, the eccentric pin 65 a directly faces the second inflection point without going through the first inflection point. Also, the crank 65 goes past the second inflection point, and the foot plate 63 is held at the location at which the foot plate 63 is kept in a folded state. In this case, even when the player forcefully tries to deploy the foot plate 63, the link 66 contacts the shaft of the crank 65, and further rotation of the crank 65 is blocked. Of course at this position as well, the foot plate 63 is held in the folded state. An abutting part 66 d to the shaft of the link 65 (stopper) is formed curved so that the eccentric pin 65 a goes past the inflection point.

3. Costume 2

The costume 2 is configured in bag form, and can be put on from the head part 10 side of the form changing toy 100. This costume 2 is formed using a napped material such as fur, boa, etc., and the portion correlating to the mouth part or the face part 11 of the form changing toy 100 is formed using a raw material without napping. The portion correlating to the mouth part or the face part 11 enters in between the head part 10 and the trunk part 30 when folding the head part 10. Also, when folding the head part 10, the napped material of the costume 2 of the head part 10 and the napped material of the trunk part 30 are butted, and of the costume 2, the parts correlating to the mouth part, or the face part 11 and the ear parts 14 which are moving parts become invisible.

As shown in FIG. 1, foot bags 2 a corresponding to the foot plates 63 of the form changing toy 100 are provided, and it is possible to cover the foot bags 2 a on the foot plates 63. Also, a tail bag 2 b corresponding to the tail part 80 is provided, and the tail bag 2 b can be put on the tail part 80. In this case, when tail part 80 is long and does not fit in well, it is also possible to provide a slit in the tail bag 2 b as appropriate, wrap the tail part 80, and cover the tail part 80 using tape, a button, etc. The part other than the bottom wall of the form changing toy 100 is wrapped by this costume 2. Also, ear bags 2e are provided for the ear parts 14, and the ear bags 2e can cover the ear parts 14.

The costume 2 is formed slightly large so as to allow various movements of the form changing toy 100. Also, eyeballs 2 c and hand parts 2 d are provided on the costume 2. The eyeballs 2 c and the hand parts 2 d may also be provided on the toy body 1 side.

With this costume 2, the storage recess 30 a and the foot plates 63 are covered by the napped material of the costume 2. When the napped material covering this storage recess 30 a bulges, floating up from the bottom surface of the storage recess 30 a, and blocks the opening of the storage recess 30 a before storing the foot plate 63 in the storage recess 30 a, when storing the foot plate 63 in the storage recess 30 a, the napped material blocking the opening is pressed by the foot plate 63 and is pushed into the inside of the storage recess 30 a.

Also, the periphery of the storage recess 30 a is also made of napped material. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, in a state with the costume 2 put on, this is formed so that when the foot plate 63 is stored in the storage recess 30 a, the periphery of the storage recess 30 a and the outer surface of the foot plate 63 are flush. Also, in a state with the costume 2 put on, the gap between the edge of the storage recess 30 a and the foot plate 63 seen from outside is hidden by the napped material of the foot plate 63 and the napped material covering the storage recess 30 a being butted together.

By working in this way, visually, it is possible to hide the existence of the foot plate 63 which is a moving part, and possible to realize a more highly entertaining form changing toy 100.

Also, when the costume 2 is put on the toy body 1, because the costume 2 is in bag form, the left and right hatches 41, 41 are covered and hidden. Therefore, the gap between the left and right hatches 41, 41 is not visible from outside because of the costume 2, and when the left and right hatches 41, 41 do the opening and closing operation, only move beneath the costume 2. The left and right hatches 41, 41 are covered by the napped material of the costume 2, and when pushing in the tail part 80, the napped material is pressed by the tail part 80 and pushed in. Then, when the left and right hatches 41, 41 are closed, as shown in FIG. 15, by the napped part of the edges of the left and right hatches 41, 41 being butted together, the gap between the left and right hatches 41, 41 is covered and hidden, and the tail part 80 on the interior, which is a moving part, is not visible from outside.

Control Configuration

FIG. 16 shows the control configuration of the form changing toy 100.

The form changing toy 100 includes a central processing unit 90, a main storage device 91, and an auxiliary storage device 92 as the control configuration.

The central processing unit 90 includes a control device 90 a and a calculation device 90 b.

Prescribed programs or various types of data are stored in the auxiliary storage device 92, and the central processing unit 90 reads those programs and various types of data as appropriate, and executes control and calculations. The main storage device 91 is the part that is a work area, and temporarily stores programs and various types of data as necessary.

Also, the form changing toy 100 includes a power switch 93, a microphone 94, a touch sensor 95, and potentiometers 96 a to 96 c as input devices.

For example, the microphone 94 and the touch sensor 95 are provided on the head part 10. The microphone 94 picks up external sounds. Also, the touch sensor 95 detects when the form changing toy 100 has been touched by the player.

The potentiometer 96 a constitutes a servo mechanism with the motor 37, the potentiometer 96 b constitutes a servo mechanism with the motor 46, and the potentiometer 96 c constitutes a servo mechanism with the motor 67. The movement amount of the corresponding parts is controlled by these servo mechanisms.

Also, the form changing toy 100 includes a sound output unit 97, motors 37, 46, 67, and a light output unit 98 as output devices. The motors 37, 46, 67 are servo motors. The sound output unit 97 outputs sound effects and words, etc. The motor 37 operates the head part 10, the motor 46 operates the hatches 41, and the motor 67 operates the foot plates 63.

Method of Play and Action

First, with the head part 10, the tail part 80, and the foot plates 63 in a folded state, the hatches 41 are in a closed state.

This state is the first form 100A. With the first form 100A, the left and right two light emitting diodes which are the light output unit 98 on the back of the head part 10 (FIG. 1) light up or flash under the costume. The left and right light emitting diodes 98 a, 98 a are in the eye positions of the first form 100A, so the first form 100A evokes an image like a living creature rather than inorganic matter.

In this state, when the form changing toy 100 is stroked or music is played to it, it vibrates vertically and laterally by operation of the foot plate 63 of the first form 100A. Then, the hatch 41 opens, the tail part 80 projects from inside, and it becomes the second form 100B.

Next, when the form changing toy 100 is stroked or music is played to it, by operation of the foot plate 63 of the second form 100B, it vibrates vertically and laterally. Also, the hatch 41 performs the opening and closing operation. Then, the foot play 63 is deployed, and in reaction to that, the form changing toy 100 stands up, and also the head part 10 is deployed, the face part 11 and the ear parts are also deployed, and this becomes the third form 100C.

Also, when the third form 100C is stroked or music is played to it, the body sways left and right by the foot plate 63 operating.

Modification Examples of This Embodiment

Above, an embodiment of the present invention was explained, but the present invention is not limited to that embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible in a scope that does not stray from the gist.

For example, with the abovementioned embodiment, the servo mechanism was configured including the motor and the potentiometer, but it is also possible to provide an encoder instead of a potentiometer.

Also, the head part 10, the hatches 41, and the foot parts 63 were made to be in the first state when shipping, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which a reset button is provided, and when the player presses the reset button, the head part 10, the hatches 41, and the foot parts 63 return to the first state.

Furthermore, it is also possible to have it detected by a detection switch, etc., that the player is manually folding the head part 10 and the foot plates 63 to some degree, and closing the hatches 41 to some degree, and to operate the motor when that is detected, and have the head part 10, the foot plates 63, and the hatches 41 moved to the holding position. In this case, it is possible to have the holding mechanism hold in the second state the moving parts that are urged by a spring toward the first state, and have that be until releasing of the holding of the moving parts to the second state, and after release, to have this moved to the first state by the spring.

Effect of the Invention

With the present invention, the rotating part is configured so as to go past the inflection point by rotation in one direction, and to contact a stopper at a prescribed location in the vicinity region of the inflection point, so that rotation in that one direction is stopped, and also, the holding mechanism holds the moving parts at a location past the inflection point by rotation in one direction by the rotating part using the motor, so having the moving parts that are in a held state go to the first state due to impact, etc., is effectively blocked. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A form changing toy, comprising: a moving part being configured to change a form thereof between first and second states, a rotating part being connected with the moving part, a first stopper being configured at a first position; a motor being configured to rotate the rotating part, and a holding mechanism being configured to hold releasably the moving part in the first state, the rotating part being configured to move the moving part in first and second directions, an operation direction of the moving part being changed between the first and second directions at an inflection point of the rotating part, the moving part being in the first state at the inflection point, the rotation of the rotating part being configured to stop rotating in a first rotation direction when the rotating part rotating contacts the first stopper, the holding mechanism being configured to hold the moving part in the first state at a location between the inflection point and the first stopper, the holding mechanism being configured to release the moving part when the rotating part starts rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction after the stopping at the first stopper.
 2. The form changing toy according to claim 1, wherein the rotating part is a crank including slide plate, the crank is connected to the moving part via a slide plate being configured to move reciprocally, and the crank and the slide plate constitute a portion of a double slider crank mechanism.
 3. The form changing toy of according to 1, wherein the rotating part is a crank including a link being configured to be rotated by rotation of the crank, and the moving parts, the crank, and the link constitute a portion of a lever crank mechanism.
 4. The form changing toy according to claim 3, further comprising a second stopper being configured at a second position, wherein the link stops by contacting the second stopper.
 5. The form changing toy according to claim 1, further comprising a spring being configured to urge the moving part to render the moving part in the first state. 